Titan parent Kingspan appointed Under 19 Rugby Sponsor

7th March 2007

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced the appointment of leading building materials manufacturer Kingspan Group plc as title sponsor of the 2007 IRB Under 19 World Championship in Belfast, Northern Ireland from April 4-21.

The sponsorship strengthens the company’s association with the sport of Rugby. Titan Environmental – a Division of Kingspan Group plc and the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturer of environmental storage tanks for oil, water and chemicals – is a current sponsor of the Ulster Rugby Team.

“The International Rugby Board is delighted to welcome Kingspan as the title sponsor of the IRB Under 19 World Championship in Belfast. The appointment of a leading player in the building materials industry further highlights the significant attraction and prestige of the Tournament as a major event on the global Rugby calendar,” said IRB Tournaments Manager Simon Jelowitz.

“The Rugby community eagerly awaits the start of the IRB Under 19 World Championship and a Tournament that promises to be one of the most successful in its history. The significant number of travelling supporters can look forward to exciting matches, superb host venues, ticket prices that start at just £2 and wonderful local hospitality. It will be an event not to be missed and the IRB looks forward to welcoming supporters from Ireland and all over the world to the Tournament.”

Over 700 players from 24 nations will compete in the IRB Under 19 World Championship which will give Rugby’s rising talent exposure to competitive Tournament conditions and also offering an excellent opportunity to see the next generation of international Rugby stars. The 2006 Tournament, held in Dubai, was won by Australia and received broadcast coverage in over 70 countries through 16 worldwide broadcasters.

“It is entirely appropriate that Kingspan as a major player in their field should be associated with one of the largest Tournaments in world Rugby and I have no doubt that their backing will go along way to making this year’s Tournament one of the best ever,” said Irish Rugby Football Union Chairman Peter Boyle.

Kingspan Group plc, headquartered in Ireland, is a leading manufacturer of an integrated range of products for the construction industry. Sponsorship of the Tournament also continues Kingspan’s strong affiliation with sport including sponsorship of the Cavan GAA Club in Ireland and Irish Motorsport.

“The strength and power of the Kingspan brand is a good fit with the sport of Rugby and the Kingspan brand is growing in strength in markets including Australia and New Zealand where interest in the sport is strong. In addition, as an Irish company we were delighted to support A Tournament hosted by the IRFU,” said Kingspan Divisional Commercial Director Tom McGuinness.

Philip Browne, Commercial Director of Titan Environmental, added “Rugby has been an excellent fit for the Titan brand and has provided excellent brand awareness. We are delighted that the Group’s relationship with the sport is growing.”

Tickets are currently on sale for the IRB Under 19 World Championship through the Ulster Rugby ticket hotline on +44-28-9049-3222 and online by visiting Ulster Rugby.